User:MJMDutraa/sandbox

Reminder just reminding everyone that when editing your part, check to see if you are repeating what was said on the original roots page. this is to avoid repetition, also remember to edit/post your part below first so we can see how it would look like here before transferring it to the actual Roots wiki. Lastly when your edit is finished, mark it under the topic Roots Canada (see below) and put down your name so we know that that section is finished and we can review it before posting it.

ALSO, make sure that we are all consistent with the formatting of our page. E.g that the sub headings are written with only the first letter of the sub heading capitalized UNLESS it is supposed to be capitalized because for example it's a persons name.

FINAL FINAL REMINDER! this is due before lecture not before tutorial!

Topic Roots Canada Ltd.
1. Intro (Brandon) [DONE]

2. History (co-founders) (Michelle [DONE]) - History of Roots in Canada

3.Media (Michelle) [DONE]

4. Apparel (Caroline) [DONE] - Product Quality

5. Business development (Andrea) (Brandon DONE) - B2B (business to business)

6. Awards and accolades (Marina) [DONE]

7. Environment commitment (Marina) [DONE]

8. Community support (Andrea) - Support of Athletes - Celebrity Support (Brandon) drake (DONE)

Links
Official Roots Website:

http://canada.roots.com/ http://canada,roots.com/b2b/

Interview with Founder, Michael Budman:

http://www.blogto.com/announcements/2010/07/an_interview_with_roots_founder_michael_budman/

Industry Canada:

http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?sbPrtl=&prtl=1&estblmntNo=123456073274&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=1263&app=sold&lang=eng

About the Business and History:

http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/27/Roots-Canada-Ltd.html

(social media marketing) http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/marketing/social-media/roots-canada-sets-an-impressive-social-media-marketing-standard

Drake Collaboration:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/thread-count/drakes-o-v-o-x-roots-take-care-jacket-made-from-virgin-wool-organic-buffalo-hide-20111108

Air Canada

http://bf4dv7zn3u.search.serialssolutions.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Roots+on+the+ground&rft.jtitle=Maclean%27s&rft.au=Shanda+Deziel&rft.date=2001-05-14&rft.issn=0024-9262&rft.volume=114&rft.issue=20&rft.spage=21&rft.externalDBID=GMAC&rft.externalDocID=73186365

roots in china

http://bf4dv7zn3u.search.serialssolutions.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Roots+branching+out+into+China&rft.jtitle=Daily+Commercial+News+and+Construction+Record&rft.date=2001-10-11&rft.issn=0317-3178&rft.volume=74&rft.issue=197&rft.spage=B1&rft.externalDBID=DCNC&rft.externalDocID=357990861

roots leather

http://bf4dv7zn3u.search.serialssolutions.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=ROOTS+TURNS+FOCUS+TO+LEATHER&rft.jtitle=WWD&rft.au=Brian+Dunn&rft.date=2005-09-13&rft.issn=0149-5380&rft.volume=190&rft.issue=57&rft.spage=26&rft.externalDBID=WWD&rft.externalDocID=902563821

roots leather #2

http://about.roots.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-RootsCorporate-Site/default/Page-Show?cid=MSTR_LEATHER_FACTORY

Business to business wholesale

http://about.roots.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-RootsCorporate-Site/default/Link-Page?cid=MSTR_BUSINESS_WHOLESALE##

How we do business

http://about.roots.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-RootsCorporate-Site/default/Link-Page?cid=MSTR_HOW_WE_DO_BUSINESS

Ideas of what to add to the Roots wiki page
- main products, images, community involvement, olympics, leather

-The company: About roots ( intro), History( The Co-funders), Roots and Canada, Leather factory, Business development,  product quality, awards and accolades, support of athletes, environmental commitment,community support, products. --Andreavillar (talk) 19:33, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

Rough Copy Edit
below here is what the roots Canada wiki page looks like, so we can edit the copy below before we make final changes ** Also if you make any changes you should do it in bold here so we can all see and easily find what has been changed**

Roots Canada Ltd. (commonly called Roots) is a Canadian clothing and lifestyle products retailer. The products on offer consist of leather goods (jackets, bags and luggage); Active athletic wear, yoga wear, roots kids and roots baby (clothing); Roots Home (leather furniture, linens, towels and accessories) and licenses in 20 categories including timepieces, fragrances and luggage. Roots also has a network of more than 30 outlet stores throughout Canada called Roots 73. Roots has more than 120 retail stores in Canada, and the United States, and more than 40 stores in Asia, (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong). In New York, Roots products are sold at the NBC Experience store at Rockefeller Center. Roots has a Canadian heritage and a link with Canada. Canada's nature, culture, sports and human diversity have always been a major source of inspiration at Roots. Employing nearly 2,000 people in Canada, Roots also contributes to the employment of thousands more through its work with suppliers and other activities. Their outlet stores, Roots 73 feature more affordable, more mass-produced clothing for the entire family while staying true to Roots quality and style. The Business-to-Business Department gets clients interested in customized Roots products. Roots has been a leader in producing custom merchandise for many Canadian and US companies, including hundreds of films, TV shows, major concert tours and other cultural events and organizations. Over the years, Roots styles and products have changed, but some have stayed the same. Roots is based on respect and appreciation of people- their customers and employees.

Co-Founders: Michael Budman and Don Green
Roots was founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green, who were both born and educated in Detroit, Michigan; they both attended Michigan State University where Mr. Budman graduated with a B.A. in Communications and Mr. Green majored in history. While they were still living in Detroit they attended Camp Tamakwa in Canada's world famous Algonquin Park in northern Toronto, which marked there lifelong love for Algonquin Park. Over a 13-year period, Budman spent his summers at camp Tamakwa as a counselor, canoeing instructor and camp director, the camp influenced his attraction to Canada greatly and in 1969 he moved to Toronto where he taught history at a local high school. Green was also both a camper and a staff member at camp Tamakwa, his experience at the camp also influenced his attraction towards Canada, and in 1972 he too moved to Toronto. In 1981 while Budman and Green lived in Paris, France they got the opportunity to help establish Paris Passion, the acclaimed city magazine, while doing so they still oversaw the European operations of Roots. Budman and Green were very involved men who were apart of numerous cultural and entertainment events they also supported many community-related causes, charities and organizations, especially those that involved helping the environment and children. One of there most recent contributions is through Right to Play, an organization founded by speed skater, Johann Koss which he dedicated to underprivileged children around the world through sport, to which Budman and Green are active supporters and Board Members.

How it all started
The store concept was based on their experiences at Camp Tamakwa and on a keen sense of aesthetics and certain values they both shared. . Their goal was to translate their passion for Canadian wilderness and sports into a distinctive line of genuine leather products and authentic athletic wear, while also promoting a healthy active lifestyle and respect for the environment. The company originally sold footwear at a single location in Toronto. Its first product was the Roots Negative Heel Shoe (also called the Earth shoe). It has since expanded its line of merchandise to include items such as jackets, bags, watches, luggage, sweatshirts and fashion accessories. In 1973 as Budman and Green were laying down the ground work for their new business, they had yet to decide on a name, and with no name there was no logo. The idea for the logo came from a biology textbook that Mr. Green was looking through; while flipping through the pages the word "roots" caught his eye. He had liked the natural and earthy meaning to the word, and from there the logo was designed by Heather Cooper and Robert Burns. .

Busines to Business Wholesale
The Roots Business-to-Business (B2B) Department creates custom-made goods and apparel for a wide-range of clients including recognized companies in the world of sports and entertainment. Roots B2B specializes in creating co-branded Roots products for the unique needs of corporations, teams and organizations. Customers are able to choose between creating their own custom items or choosing from the company's stock program. The Roots B2B Department is well-known in working with international organizations and companies. It has mastered taking other organization’s branding and putting it on the full gamut of Roots products from leather goods to apparel to accessories. In recent years, Roots B2B has worked with conferences, film festivals, Olympic associations, production companies and sports teams. In particular, it has made customized products for NBC Television, Russell Crowe and his professional rugby team, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Indigo Books and Music, Audi Canada, and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, to name a few.

finished---Andreavillar (talk) 22:54, 28 March 2012 (UTC)

Business Purpose
Based on the principles and leadership of the two Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green, Roots has always been committed to highly ethical standards — whether it be in stores, offices, production facilities, service to  charitable contributions, sponsorships of cultural and sports-related groups and events. In all of these aspects of the manufacturing process; Roots require that working conditions meet stringent health, safety and labour standards. It also insists that the rights, dignity and well-being of all workers making Roots products be respected. Roots suppliers, whether in Canada or abroad, operate according to the Roots Workplace Code of Conduct. It sets forth the high standards Roots will accept in compliance with industry guidelines and environmental requirements. People who have long been familiar with Roots' company know of the core values of integrity and quality that have governed Roots since its inception. On a practical level, it translates into protecting the rights and dignity of all those involved in the making of Roots products and ensuring that anything sporting the Roots name on it is made in decent, humane and professional conditions.

Finished---Andreavillar (talk) 23:58, 28 March 2012 (UTC)

Code of Conduct
Roots expects its suppliers to act reasonably in all respects and to do their best to ensure that no abusive, exploitative or illegal conditions exist at their workplaces. Some of the rules that must be followed by suppliers and employees are:

•Country Law: Roots suppliers must operate in full compliance with the laws of their respective countries and with all other applicable laws, rules and regulations, including those relating to labor, worker health and safety, and the environment. In cases where the Roots standard is more stringent, the Roots standard will apply.

•Communication of Standards: Roots expects our suppliers to support and cooperate in the distribution of this code. This includes posting the Code of Conduct document in the local language, as well as English, in an area where all workers may regularly view these principles.

•Wages and Benefits: Suppliers must pay all employees who manufacture Roots garments, products, or components at least the minimum wages and benefits mandated by local law, including an annual paid holiday as required by law or which meet the local industry standard. Wages must be paid directly to the worker in full in legal tender. Only legal deductions are permitted, and workers must be notified of these deductions.

•Payment of wages must be made at or near the workplace. In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, employees shall be compensated for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required in the country of manufacture or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at a rate at least equal to their regular hourly compensation rate.

•Child Labor: Suppliers to Roots shall employ workers who meet the applicable minimum legal age requirement of their country or are at least 15 years of age.

•Forced Labor: No forced labour, in any form, may be used by any Roots supplier, whether prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor or otherwise.

•Discrimination and Harassment: No employee of Roots suppliers shall be subject to workplace discrimination, harassment or abuse. Discrimination must not occur on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin, maternity or marital status.

•Health and Safety: The workplace must be safe and healthy, and suppliers must comply in all respects with all applicable laws regarding the provision of a safe, hygienic, and healthy working environment. Suppliers must take steps to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and must train employees to use safe workplace practices.

Expansion
In 2001, Roots teamed up with an established Hong Kong-based retailer. By doing this Roots’ casual clothing and leather products will be available in China with over 100 stores being built within the next five years. Not only is Roots expanding to China, they are also expanding in Canada and plan to open 50 Roots kids stores.

Media
Below are some examples of how Roots has gained its status:

The brand was noted in Naomi Klein's book No Logo, for its extensive branding: "There is a strong symmetry at work in this branding exercise. The Roots clothing line got its genesis in a place not unlike this one. Company founders Don Green and Michael Budman both went to summer camp in Algonquin Park, Ontario, and were so moved by their experience of active living in the Canadian outdoors that they designed a line of clothing to capture the very best of that feeling: comfortable walking shoes, cozy sweatshirts, Canadian Workman socks, and, of course, the beaver logo..."

And journalist Michael Posner wrote that "Roots is less a company than a summer camp." According to Klein, the company's retail outlets "with the help of wall-mounted canoe paddles and exposed beams, conjure not a chain store but a...'summer-camps mess halls and cottages built by caring and callused hands.' Then came the homewear line, featuring blankets and pillows designed to look like oversized workmen's socks."

Larry David can occasionally be seen in a Roots sweatshirt on his show Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Roots Clothing has been seen on many sex symbols across the world including Paris Hilton and Megan Fox.

Roots Canada has also opened up its own Yoga studio in Toronto.

Roots was the official outfitter of clothing for members of the Canadian Olympic team from 1998 to 2004. The same line was sold at Roots stores in Canada.

Roots also clothed the United States (2002, 2004) and British Olympic (2002) teams.

In 2009 A Roots Leather Bag "The Satchel" was famously worn by the character Alan in the 2009 movie The Hangover leading to increased publicity of Roots leather bags.

Roots and social media
Roots Canada has been said to have reached "superstar status" when it comes to social media marketing. They actively maintain a Twitter account with nearly 5,000 followers, a Facebook account with over 39,000 "likes", a blog that is linked to their Linkedin profile, a YouTube channel under the username "RootsWeb" and a Flickr account where they regularly post pictures to a photostream. Roots is located on many social networking websites which helps keep up the well known and popular brand name.

Roots Men and Women
Made with a variety of the best fabrics, some of which incorporate organic and/or sustainable fibres, Roots Canada has interpreted the latest trends and created clothing and accessories that are both highly stylish and comfortable. They feature urban athletic designs for men and women which are made from made from a wide variety of the best fabrics including: lambs wool tweed, antique wash denim and cotton pique. Roots has interpreted the latest trends and created clothing and accessories.

Roots Kids
Roots designers interpret each season's trends, creating comfortable and durable clothes that kids will love to wear at school and at play. Roots kids' clothes come in sizes 2 to 14.

Roots Baby
Roots also designs clothes for infants with extra soft fabrics, large neck openings, and snap closures.

The Roots Leather Factory
It is clear that leather has pride of place at Roots. The two are inseparable. Original leather goods have been at the heart of Roots since its inception in 1973 when the company began by making leather shoes. It’s what first put Roots on the map.

Roots has been internationally acknowledged for its genuine leather products. Each leather product is made in a state-of-the-art factory in Toronto. It’s operated by the Kowalewski family, well known for three generations of old-world craftsmanship. Originally from Poland and then Argentina before immigrating to Canada, the Kowalewskis are justly famous for their seminal role in the evolution of Roots dating back to the companies earliest days. In 1973, when Michael Budman and Don Green were laying the foundation for Roots, they went looking for someone who could make the shoe that would launch the business. They had the good fortune of meeting Jan Kowalewski who had a small family business, Boa Shoe Company, on College Street. Working with leather, especially making shoes, was in his blood. It was part of his family tradition.

The first store opened on August 15, 1973 in Toronto on Yonge Street. The shoes proved an instant hit. Within weeks, Roots was selling hundreds of pairs every day. To keep up with demand, bigger, more modern production facilities were needed. In October 1973, Jan, who worked with his sons, moved Boa Shoe Company to Sorauren Avenue in the city’s High Park area. They increased production of the Roots negative-heel shoes and quickly every square inch of the place was humming with production. For a while, there were even four or five sewers working in Michael and Don’s office. By this time, Michael and Don had bought Boa and made it a part of Roots.

The dedication of Jan and his sons Richard, Henry and Karl and their mastery of leather craftsmanship were key ingredients in the phenomenal success of Roots. The shoes were so successful that within half a year, there was a need yet again to move to larger premises.

In May 1974, Michael, Don, the Kowalewskis, and the rest of the Roots team moved across town to 1203 Caledonia Rd. in northwestern Toronto. Within a few years, the factory was producing not only shoes but also a wide range of leather products including boots, bags, jackets and accessories. At one point, the factory was making 2,000 pairs of shoes a day, and even made Beaver Canoes.

In 1984, the factory moved down the street to its present location at 1162 Caledonia Rd. where today more than 200 people make Roots Genuine Leather products that have contributed so much to the reputation of Roots. Under the direction of the Kowalewskis, skilled craftspeople work in teams assigned to different products. Different tasks are rotated from person to person which means that more than one person checks every product for quality control.

Quality of the Product
A lot of thought and care goes into each product before the Roots name and logo can go on it. Roots manufactures its products in Canada, the United States, South Asia, Asia and South America. Whether in Canada or abroad, Roots is associated with reputable suppliers who adhere to the Roots Workplace Code of Conduct. A search is made Canada and the rest of the globe for the finest raw materials and facilities as part of the production process. In some cases, it’s no longer feasible to make certain products in Canada. Sometimes, it’s not even technically possible to make certain items of a comparable quality in North America. Globalization has shifted a lot of the raw material, machinery, labour force and technology needed to make quality products to other parts of the world.

Roots is a proudly Canadian company, based in Toronto where it was founded in 1973. The company takes great pride in the strong link between Roots and Canada. Company officials are thankful for the support Canadians have long demonstrated for Roots. The values, beauty and diversity of Canada have always been a major source of inspiration for Roots. Nearly 2,000 people are employed directly in Canada and thousands more are employed through work with suppliers in Canada. Roots is a major supporter of Canada, both on the national level and on the global stage.

Awards and Accolades
Over the years, Roots Canada has been given many awards and allocates for their outstanding products and line of clothing. In 2005, Don Green and Michael Budman were voted into the Marketing Hall of Legends by their fellow peers for their dedication and success within the marketing field. The Marketing Hall of Legends honours Canadian marketers and brings them together from across the country. In 2006, founders Green and Budman received the 14th annual Award of Excellence for Communication and Public Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society. During this year, Roots was also awarded with two major awards from Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario and the American Society of Interior Designers for the design of its then new Head Office in Toronto, honouring it as an exemplary work environment. In 2007, Brand Finance Canada called Roots Canada’s Most Valuable Brands, and later Canadians for Strategy magazine asked consumers: “Which is the top design-savvy Canadian brand?” and Roots came in first place with 68%. In 2008, a study called Competing in the Global Brand Economy: Best Canadian Brands 2008 by brand specialists Interbrand says, “No company has done a better job of incorporating the essence of Canada’s natural landscape into its brand. Ensuring that each new product being launched would not appear out of context in Algonquin Park, the birthplace of the Roots vision, is one example of its commitment to the brand,” about the Roots company. In the same year, Marketing magazine selected Roots as one of the top 10 icons of Canadian marketing history, saying, ““Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green have had a huge role in defining Canadian style on both the domestic and world stages. With a deft combination of authenticity and celebrity, Budman and Green have turned their passion into a nation-defining brand.” In 2009, a study of Canadian companies titled Canada’s Most Valued Brands 2009, Brand Finance gives Roots a “AA” rating and ranks it in the top 20 companies.” In 2010, the latest study by Interbrand, titled Best Canadian Brands 2010: The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Most Valuable Brands, Roots figures prominently in the section on privately-held companies. “Long considered a Canadian retail brand darling, the Roots brand remains strong and differentiated in 2010 as a rugged-yet-refined sports and lifestyle brand with a multicultural personality….”

Environmental Commitment
Roots Canada Ltd. is also known for their commitment to promoting the protection of the environment through their products and how they are made. Roots offers their sustainable products for men, women and babies, which are made from 100% organic cotton as well as organic/conventional blends. Their use of organic cotton is keeping with the long-time commitment of the company to the environment and for respecting nature. This is consistent with their support of various organizations involved in ecological initiatives and well as their work with environmentally friendly suppliers and use of 100% recycled paper for the printed material. Roots leather is also vegetable tanned, which involves the use of both antique recipes and cutting edge technology to create the most environmentally friendly and long lasting leather. The company only uses natural vegetable extracts from chestnuts and Argentinean quebracho trees are used in the tanning process.

Roots has recently announced it has surpassed $200,000 in its fundraising campaign against global warming which was launched in 2005 in conjunction with environmental activist Laurie David. The funds – which go to the Stop Global Warming Fund – are raised through the selling of their custom-designed bracelets, made in Toronto from scrap leather.

Community Support
Social responsibility is an important aspect of Roots. It’s one of the core values that has governed the company since it began in 1973. As such, it has always believed in contributing to the communities. Roots is committed to doing its part in supporting positive, meaningful initiatives that address environmental and social issues, especially in Canada. Roots offer assistance through financial contributions, sponsorship, or donating products in support of selected causes and other worthy initiatives. In addition, when possible, it also promotes selected community-related or environmental campaigns in stores. Each year, Roots assists dozens of groups and individuals with causes that vary in nature. Generally, the company gives priority to helping disadvantaged children and environmental work, but it also supports other types of projects. Over the years, Roots has helped countless initiatives relating to education, the environment, health, the arts, sports, and individual athletes and activists.

Athlete Involvement
Roots has supported many distinguished Canadian amateur athletes. Since 2004 Roots has worked closely with Canadian World Champion kayaker Adam van Koeverden,who has won six World Championship medals in the men’s canoe sprint.

Previous Roots Athletes

•Kurt Browning

•Alexandre Despatie

•Catriona Le May Doan

•Eric Lamaze

•Jamie Salé/David Pelletier

•Ross Rebagliati

•Razor Ruddock

•Elvis Stojko

Finished- --Andreavillar (talk) 21:55, 28 March 2012 (UTC)

Charity Involvement
Roots Cares encourages the involvement of all Roots employees in community-related projects in a concerted company-wide manner. The Roots Cares Employee Committee selected the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), and specifically the Roots & Shoots program as its charity of choice. The partnership sees Roots employees contributing to Dr. Goodall’s work of creating healthy ecosystems, promoting sustainable livelihoods and nurturing new generations of committed, active citizens. All employees are able to participate in Roots Cares in a number of different ways including optional payroll deductions, volunteer opportunities and in-store promotions. The aim of the partnership is to establish Roots & Shoots groups in communities that will engage young people in making their communities a better place to live.Funds also help JGI Canada to provide online resources and to run workshops for young Canadians to help them identify and research issues in their own community, build leadership and project skills, and implement community action projects.

Finished---Andreavillar (talk) 21:40, 28 March 2012 (UTC)

Celebrity Involvement


Canadian Actor/Rapper, Drake (Aubrey Graham) has partnered with Roots Canada Ltd to make leather varsity jackets for his upcoming album release, Take Care. The jacket comes in all black or a red/white colourway and has Take Care lyrics as well as an O.V.O logo. The jacket price was listed at $500 and quantities were limited. Roots co-founder Michael Budman states the jacket is "the finest" Roots has ever produced.